Your scenic wine journey awaits on this iconic coastal route
Sip with a view! Sun-kissed grapes, salty sea breezes and panoramic views—Highway 1’s wineries blend nature’s best ingredients. This stretch of California pairs stunning Pacific coastline with some of the state’s most scenic tasting rooms. From ocean panoramas to vineyard-covered hills, these world class wineries serve up breathtaking views alongside award-winning sips. Tasting experiences here go beyond the glass, inviting explorers to drink in the stunning surroundings and take in the local color. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply seeking a coastal escape, these friendly wine tasting rooms along Highway 1 promise unforgettable moments surrounded by photo-ready scenery. Ready to discover where great taste meets unbeatable views? Let’s raise a glass to Highway 1’s most picturesque wineries.
1. Hearst Ranch Winery
Hearst Ranch Winery is where history meets the horizon. Located in enchanting San Simeon, Hearst Ranch Winery offers views so captivating, you might momentarily forget about the wine (but don’t—it’s fantastic). Settle in at a shaded outdoor table for sensory overload: the vast Pacific to your left; world famous Hearst Castle perched regally on the hill to your right. The hardest decision? Whether to focus on the epic seaside views or the delicious merlot or cabernet sauvignon in your glass. Plus, discover gourmet food trucks and a charming onsite road stop perfect for grabbing a bite before or after your long-awaited tour of Hearst Castle, awash in art, gardens, terraces and pools. If you make it to one Highway 1 wine tasting room on your excursion, Hearst should probably be in your little black book.
2. Kelsey See Canyon Winery
A lush, green paradise perched atop misty See Canyon, Kelsey See Canyon Winery is a hidden gem on the Avila Beach Wine Tasting Trail. Imagine sipping a crisp apple-chardonnay hybrid (Kelsey’s specialty “hot tub wine”) as a peacock struts by, its iridescent feathers catching the sunlight. Yes, this winery is home to wild peacocks, boosting the overall ambiance to magical heights. But the real showstopper? Sun-dappled outdoor seating surrounded by apple orchards and coastal vineyards, perfect for savoring top-shelf coastal wines. While this tasting room truly steals the show, nearby Sinor-LaVallee Winery and Peloton Cellars also grace Avila Beach’s small-but-mighty oceanside trail—proving that a “day at the beach” can mean so much more than sunbathing.
3. Stolo Vineyards
“Coastal charm” was invented by Stolo Vineyards, located less than three miles from the azure Pacific and a cork’s throw from downtown Cambria. Well, perhaps that’s an exaggeration, but the views say otherwise. Sip award-winning cool climate wines on the patio of a restored 1800s farmhouse, gazing at sun-kissed vineyards that roll right up to the barn door. Oh, and be sure to say “hello” to the resident goat while you’re there. The ocean breeze whispers through the vines, reminding visitors of the incredible ocean influence on this unique Highway 1 microclimate. The result? Fresh, coastal-style wines that’ll make your taste buds quiver. Head to Stolo for a lazy day on the lawn (the perfect hangout after an afternoon shopping the quaint downtown Cambria).
4. Peacock Cellars
Sip and savor a farm-fresh wine tasting experience at Peacock Cellars in Arroyo Grande. Casual, warm and welcoming, this cozy wine country hangout is as comfortable as it is picturesque. A beautiful barn-style tasting room exudes rustic elegance, while surrounding farmland paints a picture-perfect ambiance. Known for approachable whites and food-friendly reds, don’t miss their refreshing “Peacock Colada” blend, a crowd favorite. But there’s more than great wine here: Browse farm-fresh produce, locally-made goodies and freshly baked treats. Snack on a charcuterie box, find a sunny spot and let the day unfold. Go on: Grab the kiddos, pack the car and slow down to taste the good life on Highway 1. With its family-friendly vibe and lovely countryside views, you’ll find yourself lingering a little longer. Make yourself at home!
5. Talley Vineyards
A family legacy in fertile Arroyo Grande, family-owned Talley Vineyards captivates with its stunningly manicured grounds and pastoral surroundings. Countryside meets sophistication thanks to a patchwork of rolling hills and farmland (and just wait till you see the charming downtown Village of Arroyo Grande, where wild chickens roam). Cozy up to a seat on Talley’s sunny tasting patio, where locals and visitors alike savor exceptional pinot noir, chardonnay and farmer’s market produce grown onsite. Ready to hit Highway 1 in search of Americana with a side of fine wine? Talley Vineyards’ combination of world-class wines and awe-inspiring vistas makes for a standout destination—not to mention a slam-dunk picnic spot!
6. Harmony Cellars
Explore big flavors in California’s tiniest town. Blink and you might miss it, the tiny hamlet Harmony (population 18, if you count the cows), is home to a winery that wows. Standing atop a hillside overlooking rolling Cayucos’ coastal terrain, Harmony Cellars is a world away from the norm (and a whole lot more scenic). Sip on bold zinfandel or crisp pinot gris while savoring views that’ll make your Instagram followers green with envy. You’ll want to tour the town below first, home to glass blowers and a miniature post office. Next, end your day of Highway 1 travels with an astounding view: a sunset-streaked sky and hills that cascade onward to the sea.
Explore Highway 1’s coastal wine wonderland
Beyond the curves of Highway 1 lie these hidden wine tasting gems, where wine glasses reflect both stellar vintages and stunning landscapes. From weddings and food and wine festivals to shopping trips, spa days and relaxing weekend excursions, find wine country bliss all along Highway 1. Now it’s your turn to explore Highway 1’s scenic wineries, where exploration and indulgence make for the perfect blend.
